“Preposterous imputations”: India hits back as Canada labels diplomats ‘Persons of Interest’
India on Monday issued a sharp response to Canada after receiving a diplomatic communication suggesting that the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats are “persons of interest” in an ongoing investigation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed the allegations as “preposterous imputations” and accused the Justin Trudeau government of pursuing a political agenda rooted in vote-bank politics.
In a strongly-worded statement, the MEA emphasized that since Trudeau’s allegations in September 2023, Canada has failed to provide any evidence to substantiate its claims. “Despite multiple requests from India, the Canadian government has not shared a shred of evidence with us,” the MEA said. “This latest step appears to be part of a deliberate strategy to malign India for political gains.”
The MEA framed the communication as yet another baseless assertion by the Trudeau government, accusing it of orchestrating an anti-India narrative. “This move leaves little doubt that the so-called investigation is being weaponized to serve a political agenda,” it added.
The MEA highlighted Trudeau’s long-standing hostility towards India, citing his government’s association with individuals promoting extremist and separatist agendas. It also referenced Trudeau’s controversial visit to India in 2018, which was criticized as an attempt to court domestic political favor but backfired diplomatically.
“His naked interference in Indian politics during the 2020 farmer protests demonstrated his willingness to exploit bilateral ties for political advantage,” the statement said.
The MEA further said that Trudeau’s government relies on the support of a political party whose leader openly advocates for separatism from India, exacerbating tensions between the two nations.
India linked Canada’s latest move to domestic pressures Trudeau faces regarding foreign interference. “The timing of this action is no coincidence. It coincides with Trudeau’s scheduled testimony before a Commission on foreign interference, suggesting that India is being scapegoated to mitigate political fallout,” the MEA said.
The ministry argued that the Trudeau government has consistently catered to anti-India elements, accusing it of providing extremists with the space to threaten Indian diplomats and community leaders in Canada. “These activities, including death threats, have been justified under the pretext of freedom of speech,” the statement said.
It also criticized Canada for ignoring extradition requests for terrorists and organized crime figures and facilitating citizenship for individuals who entered Canada illegally.
The MEA defended Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, emphasizing his distinguished 36-year diplomatic career, which included postings in Japan, Sudan, and other key nations. “The aspersions cast on him by Canada are not only ludicrous but deserve to be treated with contempt,” the ministry said.
The MEA also hinted at potential retaliatory measures, noting that India has already implemented reciprocal diplomatic restrictions. “India reserves the right to take further steps in response to these latest efforts to concoct allegations against our diplomats,” it said.
Relations between the two countries soured significantly after Trudeau alleged in Parliament last year that India had a role in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India dismissed the claims as “absurd” and “motivated,” criticizing Canada for fostering extremist elements. Nijjar, designated as a terrorist by India in 2020, was shot dead outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, Canada, in June 2023.
